At the star-studded Ballon d'Or gala in Zurich yesterday evening, the FIFPro World XI team of 2014 was announced.

While the inclusion of a few players was a mere formality, the presence of others has sparked debate.

Here, Sports Mole has picked the 11 players, in a 4-3-3 formation, that made the biggest impression on us over the last 12 months.

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich and Germany)

While the likes of Thibaut Courtois and David de Gea have had impressive years, picking the goalkeeper was one of the easier selections. As well as making a string of important saves at crucial moments for the German and world champions, Neuer perfected the sweeper-keeper role.

Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid/Chelsea and Brazil)

The reason why the left-back was not a part of the Brazilian World Cup squad is still a mystery. Nevertheless, his exclusion didn't put off Jose Mourinho, who signed the attack-minded Luis from Spanish champions Atletico during the summer.

Diego Godin (Atletico Madrid and Uruguay)

2014 was the year that the Uruguayan really rose to prominence with his uncompromising defensive style. Up the other end, he scored the goal that clinched Atletico the La Liga title and also found the net in the Champions League final. For good measure, he headed in the goal that sent Uruguay through to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain)

While he may have collected far too many yellow and red cards during his career, the last year was a positive one for the combative Ramos. He was a key figure as Madrid won 'La Decima', scoring twice in the semi-final and then a stoppage-time equaliser in the final.

Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich and Germany)

For club and country, Lahm was Mr Versatile in 2014. Yet, whether he played left-back, right-back or holding midfield, the 31-year-old performed to a consistently high level. He captained Die Mannschaft to their first World Cup triumph since 1990.

Javier Mascherano (Barcelona and Argentina)

While he may not be the best player in the world, despite Roy Hodgson's bizarre point of view, it should not detract from the fact that Mascherano had a good year. It seems that he has adapted to playing at centre-back with Barcelona, while back in a holding midfield role for Argentina, Mascherano's tenacious attitude was a big reason why his nation reached the World Cup final.

Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich/Real Madrid and Germany)

Madrid arguably got the bargain of the summer with their reported £18m signing of Kroos from Munich. The classy midfielder scored twice during the World Cup semi-final demolition of hosts Brazil, while also adding a further four goals as Bayern won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

Angel di Maria (Real Madrid/Manchester United and Argentina)

Switched to a more central role by Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, Di Maria flourished. The Argentine scored in the Copa del Rey final and went on to win the Man of the Match award in the Champions League final. His World Cup was cut short by injury, although he has made a relatively positive start to life in the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal)

The Ballon d'Or winner scored 52 goals in just 43 outings throughout 2014, which made him the talisman as Los Blancos won the Copa del Rey, Champions League and FIFA World Club Cup. Unfortunately for the 29-year-old, a knee problem prevented him from inspiring a disappointing Portugal side at the World Cup.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool/Barcelona and Uruguay)

It can only be assumed that Suarez failed to make the FIFPro World XI cut because of his well-documented antics in the summer. On pure footballing matters, though, it was a standout year for the Uruguayan. His 31 goals - a haul which included three hat-tricks - went ever so close to firing Liverpool to the Premier League title.

Lionel Messi (Barcelona and Argentina)

Despite it not being seen as a vintage year for Messi, he still scored 58 goals in the stripes of Barcelona and Argentina. While neither of his teams won a trophy, 2014 saw the little maestro become the all-time leading goalscorer in both La Liga and the Champions League.